Heading off on an international flight from Brisbane Airport? Now there’s a new place for you and the family to relax before the flight, even if you’re not in business class or your airline doesn’t have its own lounge.

That’s where the independent Escape Lounge steps in.

Now open at Brisbane’s international terminal to any traveller on any airline, the Escape Lounge provides everything that a regular business class lounge offers, such as:

  • a buffet spread of seasonal dishs “prepared by local chefs”
  • complimentary drinks including wine, beer and spirits (plus barista-pulled coffee)
  • fast WiFi with ample charging ports and power outlets
  • print, scan and copy services

Add comfortable seating in a private space, away from the crowded terminal, and you’re pretty much set.

There’s even free access to over 7,000 digital newspapers and magazines through the Pressreader service, so you can downlod plenty of reading material to enjoy on the flight and for says after.

Escape Lounges are a familiar sight in airports across the UK and the USA, and at Brisbane Airport the group has taken residence in the former Plaza Premium lounge on the terminal’s mezzanine level, alongside the Air New Zealand hangout.

The Escape Lounge retains some elements of the former Plaza Premium space, such as the timber slats dividing the space into zones, originally incorporated as a nod to “canopy shade structures found in the Brisbane and Queensland architectural vernacular.”

As an independent or ‘common-use’ lounge, the Escape Lounge can also be used by passengers on any airline on a pay-in basis.

Entry fees are $65 per person if you book in advance online, or $80 on a ‘walk-up’ basis (children under two years of age are admitted free), which covers three hours of use.

It’s also also likely that some airlines which lack their own lounge at Brisbane International – such as Fiji Airways, Korean Air and Vietjet – may provide their business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers with a complimentary Escape Lounge pass.

A smart casual dress code applies, with visitors advised to “avoid wearing any clothing with slogans that might cause offence, as well as shorts above the knee. Men must keep their shoulders covered.”

“Lounge managers and staff have the right to refuse entry or to ask guests to leave at their own discretion. In such cases, a refund would not be offered.”

The Brisbane Airport Escape Lounge is open daily from from 5am until 1am.